School Construction Update

Last month RI Treasurer Seth Magaziner toured the construction projects at the Melrose School and Lawn School. Treasurer Magaziner was impressed with the depth & scope of work that was completed this summer.

First phase of school construction projects are in their final stage of completion

The District will open this week with NEW 30 year warrantied Garland Roofs on both Melrose Elementary School and Lawn Middle School. The elementary school classrooms all received refurbished classroom doors that are now controlled by a magnetic holding device connected to our Fire and Active Threat Alarm System. All doors will remain in the locked position. If the fire alarm or active threat alarm is initiated all classroom doors will close automatically.

In addition to the roof projects we installed more than 24 new exhaust fans at each school. The installation of the new exhaust fans will promote good indoor air quality as well as student health and performance.

Three (3) air handlers and condensers were installed at the Melrose School to upgrade the HVAC system.

Top view of the new Melrose School roof:

Top view of the new Lawn School Roof. The trim metal work will be completed over the next 2 weeks. We have a schedule in place to avoid any distraction to learning.

During construction the we built up the portion of the roof between the East facing roof and South facing roof to prevent snow drifts and damage to our ventilation system.

A new HVAC system in the band room at Lawn is 80% complete. The final phase will be completed by September 14.


A new Fire & Life safety system was installed in the science room.

We had one important change to the scope of work of the heating oil tanks at both the Melrose School and Lawn School. Due to the age and interior structure of both tanks it was recommended to replace the tanks instead of the planned repairs. We are very fortunate that we came in under budget for the Melrose School projects and CommTank had the availability to provide the tanks for the change order.

Melrose School now has a new 4,000-gallon heating oil tank.

Lawn School received new 5,000-gallon heating oil tank.

The 1,000-gallon diesel fuel tank that we fuel our School Buses from was also replaced.

Other Projects at the Melrose School include:

  • a new Kitchen Hood and Ansul Fire Suppression System was installed;
  • new carpet to 2 classrooms; and
  • installation of new tile in one classroom as well as other places throughout the school.

Additional renovations at the Lawn School include:

  • Waxing the gymnasium floor;
  • upgrading the Boy's Locker room to include ADA compliant stalls and changing area; and
  • Upgrading the Girl's Locker room with an epoxy floor, ADA compliant stalls and changing areas.

I would like to personally thank Mr. Peter Anderson, Director of Facilities, for his dedication, commitment and precise eye to details in supervising these major school construction projects this summer. He has provided 150% to the care and administration of all projects this summer.

I also want to thank and show my appreciation to our custodial team who throughout the summer provided many hours to not only the summer projects, but also to cleaning and preparing the buildings for the opening of school on time. They have done a superb job as always!

As you see these gentlemen around school and town please thank them for their hard work and commitment to the Jamestown Schools' Community.

Job Well Done!

-Dr. Duva